2014 dodge challenger Reviews and News

2014 Dodge Challenger

By
Automobile Magazine
- 12/06/2013

New For 2014

Changes for 2014 all concern the lengthy options list. For the SXT, there's the Super Sport Group (twenty-inch wheels, uprated brakes/suspension/steering, shift paddles, a rear spoiler, and a quicker rear axle ratio); the Sinister Super Sport Group has the same stuff but with black wheels. Also newly available is a power sunroof and launch control. Chrysler's Uconnect 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system is now a $695 standalone option. Finally, new paint colors include one flashback hue: Plum Crazy purple.

Vehicle Summary

The Dodge Challenger returned to the market in 2008 with handsome styling that echoes the 1970 original. The retro/modern sheetmetal is wrapped over a chassis shared with the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300. As it did in the beginning, the Challenger faces off against the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Unlike them, however, the Challenger is strictly a coupe; no convertible is offered. The Challenger follows the current pony-car engine formula, with a budget-friendly six-cylinder, a muscular V-8, and an ultra-high-performance V-8.

Overview

In the Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger trifecta, the Dodge definitely does not have the following of its longer-lived competitors, but it does at least as good of a job serving the faithful. Not only is the Challenger's sharp styling obviously identifiable, but the myriad available appearance packages and stripe kits are perfectly attuned to the car's heritage.

Powering the base Challenger SXT is Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, a polished performer that makes a respectable 305 hp. The V-6 is the only Challenger engine that cannot be paired with a manual transmission. The automatic has only five gears, which is a little low; other Chrysler products with this engine get an eight-speed. Even the V-6 cars can be fitted with a sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and high-performance steering. The SXT Plus adds more luxury equipment, and the Rallye Redline amps up the muscle-car style.
Next up is the R/T, which ushers in the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, a smooth, deep-throated performer that pumps out 372–375 hp (depending on transmission). Here, the performance-tuned brakes, suspension, and steering are standard. Like the SXT, the R/T is available in three versions: R/T, R/T Plus, and R/T Classic.

At the top sits the SRT. Its Hemi V-8 displaces 6.4 liters, or 392 cubic inches, a number that is displayed proudly in decals on the body side. It makes a muscle-bound 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and can be paired with the six-speed manual or the automatic. With either gearbox, the SRT Challenger will turn a sub-thirteen-second quarter mile. Top speed is 175 mph for the automatic and 186 mph for the stick. An adaptive-damping suspension is available. Launch control is offered on both automatic- and manual-equipped cars; the latter allows the driver to set the engine-rpm speed for launch. The SRT Challenger is offered in two price points: the Core model is a back-to-basics muscle car, with a starting price under $40,000 (before destination); the Premium version adds more equipment. All SRT buyers get a complimentary day of performance-driving instruction at various tracks around the country. Presumably, learning how to do a proper smoky burnout is part of the curriculum.

You'll like:

Lots of sporty appearance packages

Usable rear seat

Blisteringly quick SRT

You won't like:

More fast than nimble

Tough to see out of

No convertible offered

Key Competitors

Automotive enthusiasts are simple creatures. We want power, and lots of it, and we’re here to help you find it in its most affordable form(s). Power doesn’t always mean outright speed though, and big horsepower numbers can show up in unexpected places. For less than $30,000, the best dollars-per-horsepower ratio goes to a bizarre mix of cars, crossovers, and trucks, both fast and slow. What’s clear is that if you want the most ponies for the fewest Benjamins, buy American. (Note: All prices include destination fees.)

Dodge will offer an unusual leasing proposition for buyers eager to get behind the wheel of the Challenger coupe or Charger sedan. The new program, called Double-Up, allows customers to lease a 2014 Challenger or 2014 Charger for one year, and then upgrade to the 2015 models when they become available.

At last year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, Dodge announced a series of performance packages for the Dodge Dart, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger models that takes its name from the sporty Scat Pack lineup of Dodge cars from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Dodge and Mopar have now released more information about these Scat Pack stage kits for the Challenger and Charger, revealing how much they will cost and exactly how much power they add to the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

The latest in a long string of special editions for Chrysler’s high-performance SRT division is a new Satin Vapor package for the Chrysler 300 SRT, the Dodge Charger SRT, and the Dodge Challenger SRT. These Hemi-powered muscle cars will each receive a unique appearance upgrade to add some visual attitude to the lower-cost Core versions of these SRT models.

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:41

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Consequences

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.